IMPACT REPORT
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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
KEN WHITTAKER Dear Friends and Supporters, Over the past few years, we have navigated unprecedented challenges and transformative events. Despite these tumultuous times, our spirit of unity and perseverance has remained strong. As the world grappled with the pandemic, altering the fabric of our lives, we at Michigan United have been heartened by an extraordinary display of resilience and solidarity in communities. In a society often perceived as deeply divided, both politically and socially, our work over the last few years paints a remarkably different picture—one of collective strength and determination. With over a decade of experience in community organizing, I have always believed in the power of people coming together to build a stronger and more just community. This belief has only been reinforced as we've navigated these challenging times together. Our journey from 2020 to 2023 is a testament to what can be achieved when we unite around our mutual self-interests. We've confronted challenges head-on, from holding corporations accountable for environmental injustices to combating attempts to disenfranchise voters. Our relentless advocacy has led to inclusive healthcare policies for undocumented immigrants during the pandemic and the recognition of racism as a public health crisis throughout the state of Michigan. Victories like these are powerful indicators that we create real, lasting change when we organize and build power together. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Your support, involvement, and belief in our mission fuel our efforts at Michigan United. We will continue to build a bigger "we," realizing a united Michigan that stands strong in the face of adversity and strives for justice and dignity for all. What follows is a small fraction of the work we’ve done. With gratitude and determination, Ken Whittaker Executive Director
We believe it is OUR MISSION to work together to build the power we need to win the justice our communities deserve.
Faith in Justice The newly established Faith in Justice team at Michigan United, staffed predominantly by clergy, has become a beacon of social justice and civic engagement. Our team has been at the forefront of Michigan United's response to critical social issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the fight for reproductive rights, and the movement to recognize racism as a public health crisis. As a steering committee member of End Gun Violence Michigan, we’ve spearheaded some of Michigan’s most significant gun safety legislation. This journey from bill to legislation showcases Michigan United’s dedication to creating safer communities.
During the Good Time ballot initiative, our team led Redemption Sunday, which saw participation from over 50 households of faith. Our event during Second Chance Month was pivotal in promoting redemption and advancing the conversation around the Good Time ballot initiative. The Faith in Justice team prioritized the Reproductive Freedom for All ballot initiative. Our team was integral in gathering signatures and educating the public on why people of faith support reproductive freedom. Team members took center stage as public spokespersons, highlighting our ongoing commitment to advocating for reproductive rights.
Immigrant Rights In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, our Immigrant Rights team demonstrated agility and responsiveness to the unique needs of the immigrant community. We successfully advocated for the inclusion of undocumented immigrants in emergency Medicare coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment. Our team organized 12 virtual Justice Assemblies in multiple languages, two virtual candidate forums for State House and Congressional districts, and a virtual presidential debate commentary in partnership with La Explosiva. Additionally, we held two multilingual Virtual Voting Rights Town Halls and disseminated instructional videos in Spanish on absentee voting and voter registration. In 2021, we joined forces with the Fair Immigration Reform Movement, influencing national immigration policy. Our efforts led to President Biden rescinding the Muslim Ban, halting the construction of the border wall, fully reinstating DACA, and undoing numerous anti-immigrant executive orders. We conducted over 12 legislative meetings to lobby for crucial immigration bills in
Congress, including the Build Back Better Bill, The DREAM and PROMISE Act, The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, and the Citizenship for Essential Workers Bill. In 2022, we joined the Home is Here Campaign, advocating for using Budget Reconciliation to pass immigration legislation. We focused on updating the Registry data for over 7 million immigrants, pushing for the DREAM and PROMISE Act, the Farmworker Modernization Act, the repeal of Title 42, and opposing the Consequence Delivery Systems at the border. We hosted nine legislative meetings with U.S. Senators Peters and Stabenow and Representatives Haley Stevens and Elissa Slotkin, along with three public events to address the concerns of the immigrant community. By 2023, we intensified our campaign to pass the DRIVE SAFE Bills in the Michigan Legislature. Our team attended several coffee hours with legislators, held over 20 legislative meetings, and organized a press conference on Capitol Day to advocate for the Drive Safe Bills. We collected video testimonies to support this cause. Additionally, we co-hosted an immigrant youth conference in Grand Rapids, focusing on voting rights, educational opportunities, and legal services.
MU STORYTELLERS
ADONIS FLORES
Justice for Black and Brown Communities The thing that got me interested in Michigan United was the fact that we were fighting for policies that were gonna improve the lives of people in our community. The people that normally get overlooked.
Three members of Michigan United, some of whose work precedes the formation of MU, were asked to share their unique story of how they came to join the organization, and why they believe in the work we’re doing. MU Organizing Director Adonis Flores shares his early advocacy work as a volunteer rooted in immigrant rights, and the importance of preparing the next generation of leaders to continue the fight for justice in our communities.
IMMIGRANT EMPOWERMENT
2020
Over 100 immigration applications were filed, and 20+ navigators were trained.
2021
85+ applications, 5+ navigators trained, and additional know-your-rights trainings.
2022
A significant jump to 186+ filings, 11+ navigators trained, and expanded educational offerings.
COMMUNITIES SERVED: Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo
2021: VOICES FOR VACCINES A federally funded public health initiative to counter misinformation and promote vaccine accessibility.
76,852 Doors Knocked
470,768
Calls Made
51,533
Conversations COMMUNITIES SERVED: Detroit, Lansing and Flint
2022: ELECTORAL DEEP CANVASS A continuing initiative that aims to unite a diverse, multigenerational, multiracial workingclass population across political ideologies.
210,000
Calls Made
3,205
Doors Knocked
21%
Phone Movement Rate
39%
Door Movement Rate COMMUNITIES SERVED: Statewide
MU STORYTELLERS
PASTOR JACK EGGLESTON
Full Access for All People to American Rights We have ... dedicated staff ... working to empower people in the community, so that people might know their rights... might advocate for their rights... might speak to make our society more just. ... for all people.
Three members of Michigan United, some of whose work precedes the formation of MU, were asked to share their unique story of how they came to join the organization, and why they believe in the work we’re doing. Pastor Jack Eggleston, a Lutheran pastor for over 43 years, shares his work in the immigrant community, including free English Language courses in partnership with MU and Unity Lutheran Church Southgate.
Healthcare and Public Health Tackling the Overdose Crisis Head-On In 2020, an overdose crisis in the middle of a pandemic challenged us to respond urgently. We organized two critical listening sessions with those affected and offered a platform for voices often unheard. Our team participated in strategy meetings and hosted Capitol Week lobby meetings with legislators Jon Hoadley, Joe Bellino, and Phil Green. Our meetings launched research into community-wide accessibility of Narcan boxes, taking a proactive step toward harm reduction.
Voices For Vaccines – A Pioneering Public Health Campaign In 2021, we teamed with Michigan Voices and partners in 'Voices For Vaccines,' a federally funded public health initiative to counter misinformation and promote vaccine accessibility. Our effort led us to knock on 76,852 doors, dial 470,768 calls, and successfully facilitate 51,533 conversations in Lansing, Flint and Detroit. We significantly bolstered vaccine confidence within these communities.
Healthcare Navigators Our Healthcare Navigators were relentless. They hosted 25 to 30 health events monthly and conducted over 100 home visits to support homebound and disabled Michiganders. They managed 117 vaccine clinics, administering 850 vaccines. Our nursing staff provided valuable medical insight through 35 webinars and podcasts. They conducted 500 blood pressure screenings with our 24 community partners, impacting over 15,000 community members.
Advancing the Care Over Cost Mission As we moved into 2023, our focus shifted with the launch of the 'Care Over Cost Navigators' set for September. This initiative guided individuals through the maze of insurance claims. We're advocating for the revolutionary MIcare Act to cement universal healthcare, urging political leaders to reject private insurance donations, and championing stringent oversight of health insurance metrics. Building a robust leadership base deeply invested in health advocacy is central to our values.
The Inception of the Care Over Cost Campaign We launched the 'Care Over Cost' campaign, with healthcare costs soaring. We wanted to put patient care over company profits. This campaign saw the organization and execution of 12 community healthcare events statewide, drawing 393 attendees. Our volunteers' dedication shone through as they canvassed with 10 teams, passing out 1,500 informational brochures and conducting eight text banks. The impact of our efforts was evident in the 405 healthcare conversations and the attendance of 32 community members at the 'Make Meds Affordable' speak-out event. A pivotal achievement was the collection of 1,400 signatures for the 'Reproductive Freedom for All' initiative. We canvassed 2,800 doors to secure its passage.
Legal Services: Championing Immigrant Empowerment Advocacy and Legal Representation
cycles of citizenship classes each year and
Michigan United’s Legal Services has been a
naturalization workshops in major Michigan
beacon of hope for immigrants seeking
cities, we have set many on the path to
legal help. Accredited by the Department
becoming informed, active citizens.
of Justice, our Legal Clinic has filed over 371 immigration applications from 2020
Expanding Outreach
to 2022, ensuring families remain together.
We've increased our capacity to serve by
We issued over 100 power of attorney
training more than 36 immigrants as
letters to prevent children from entering
community navigators, equipping them to
foster care if their parents face deportation.
guide their neighbors through legal issues. Our efforts ensure strong support within the
Education as a Pathway to Citizenship
community, with our navigators serving as the
Empowering immigrants through education,
first point of contact for many immigrants.
we have conducted citizenship and English Language classes to strengthen community
Strategic Expansion & Impactful Education
ties and foster civic participation. With three
Our strategic presence across Detroit, Grand
Rapids and Kalamazoo, coupled with virtual
educational offerings.
platforms, has removed barriers. In 2022, we provided two English Language classes and
Our approach continues to empower
citizenship education cycles, reaching people
immigrants to become active, informed people
eager to engage with their community.
in their communities. With a future where immigrant communities thrive and flourish, we
A Three-Year Snapshot of Empowerment
continue offering much-needed services to
Over the past three years, our Legal Services
protect, educate, and empower.
outreach and impact grew exponentially: 2020: Over 100 immigration applications
Throughout 2020-2022, Michigan United Legal
were filed, and 20+ navigators were
Services provided vital resources for
trained.
immigrants, emphasizing the importance of
2021: 85+ applications, 5+ navigators
legal support, education, and community
trained, and additional know-your-rights
empowerment. By tying legal services and
trainings.
civic engagement, we create a foundation for a
2022: A significant jump to 186+ filings, 11+
thriving immigrant community that enjoys
navigators trained, and expanded
their rights and citizenship privileges.
Transformative Justice: Amplifying Equity, Advocating Change Pandemic Response and Racial Equity During the years marked by the COVID pandemic, our Transformative Justice team was at the forefront of addressing racial inequities. We were vocal and influential in advocating for the needs of those incarcerated. Our advocacy was instrumental in the implementation of a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan across Michigan’s jails and prisons, aiming to mitigate the spread among the incarcerated population and staff, who are disproportionately affected by neglect.
unequal treatment of George Floyd
Groundbreaking Advocacy in Kalamazoo In the face of civil unrest and police brutality, our team in Kalamazoo stood firm, mobilizing support and demanding accountability during the protests of 2020. Our efforts exposed the
validated when we successfully advocated for
protestors compared to the leniency shown to the ProudBoys group. Public pressure led to changes within the local police force, including firing a Police Chief and increasing police accountability. Innovating Justice with Participatory Defense With the launch of the Participatory Defense program, we embraced new strategies to change the trajectory of youth in Michigan’s criminal justice system. Our approach was a minor, preventing unfair criminal charges. That case proved our commitment to community-centric defense, aiming to protect the future of our youth.
Propelling the Good Time Initiative Forward The Good Time Initiative symbolized our battle against mass incarceration. Although the initiative did not make the ballot in 2022, the campaign heightened public and legislative awareness regarding sentencing reforms. We are currently championing three bills in the Michigan legislature that continue this fight for systemic change.
Fostering a Future of Justice Our Transformative Justice team continues to work for a future where equity prevails within the criminal justice system. Our mission extends beyond governance into the communities we serve. Every action and every voice can merge into a powerful force for change. Our initiatives remain rooted in pursuing a justice system that rehabilitates, restores, and respects the dignity of every individual.
MU STORYTELLERS
ROSE MAYAN
Helping Immigrants Become Tomorrow’s Leaders Immigrants come from different countries. ... speak different languages. ... have different cultures. So I tried to create a liaison between the police and immigrants to ... work together, instead of ... against each other.
Three members of Michigan United, some of whose work precedes the formation of MU, were asked to share their unique story of how they came to join the organization, and why they believe in the work we’re doing. Immigrant Rights Organizer Rose Mayan shares her desire to “offer more” for the communities she served is what led her to join MU, highlighting the innovative ways we are working to improve the quality of life and futures of immigrant youth.
Emergence and Mission The African American Leadership Council (AALC) emerged from the profound impact of the George Floyd tragedy, symbolizing a renewed commitment to racial justice. Comprising passionate staff and leaders of Michigan United, the AALC has since been at the forefront of addressing systemic racial issues, especially amidst the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
African American Leadership Council (AALC) Pivotal Role During the Pandemic
Our persistent advocacy led to over 25 cities,
With Detroit as the epicenter of the pandemic
counties, and institutions adopting policies
in Michigan, the AALC took a leadership role in
that recognize and aim to address this crisis.
orchestrating crucial conversations around
This campaign's success was marked by
COVID-19, particularly addressing the
Governor Gretchen Whitmer's declaration,
intersecting issues of race and public health.
making Michigan a leading state in formally
These dialogues, which gained global
acknowledging and acting upon the public
attention, included sessions with African-
health impact of racism.
American doctors discussing vaccine hesitancy. This initiative led to notable
Local Government Collaboration
outcomes, such as facilitating significant farm
In an impactful collaboration with the City of
aid to Detroit and feeding thousands during
Westland, the AALC influenced the
the crisis.
declaration of Racism as a ‘Public Health Crisis.’ This has led to the establishment of an Office
Racism as a Public Health Crisis
for Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in
A significant focus of the AALC has been the
Westland, ensuring a commitment to these
'Racism as a Public Health Crisis' campaign.
values in city governance and operations.
Advocacy for Black Immigrant Women The AALC women have brought critical issues to the forefront, including the illegal sterilization of Black immigrant women in detention centers. This advocacy underscores the AALC's commitment to intersectional justice, addressing race, immigration status, and women's rights. Educational Initiatives and Legislative Support Through educational programs during Black History Month and Juneteenth, the AALC has engaged communities in discussions on voting literacy and the power of organizing. These programs have been instrumental in integrating the experiences and challenges of the Black immigrant population into the broader narrative of African-American history and rights. The AALC's efforts were also pivotal in enacting Michigan’s Crown Act, which addresses discrimination based on hair – a significant step in legislative progress toward racial equality. Outlook and Ongoing Commitment As we look forward, the AALC remains dedicated to its mission of dismantling systemic racial barriers and advocating for equitable treatment of African Americans and Black immigrants. We are committed to creating lasting change and a more just society for all through continued dialogue, education, and policy advocacy.
2020: A Victory Landmark
Environmental Justice Advancing Climate Justice and Policy Influence The year 2021 was marked by our extensive advocacy for the
In 2020, our
Build Back Better (BBB) agenda, particularly the climate
Environmental Justice
justice and clean energy provisions. Key events included:
team achieved a
Build Back Better Video Campaign with Rep.
significant victory
Dingell, Sen. Peters, Rep. Stevens, Rep. Levin, and
after an 8-year
countless state legislators.
campaign against Marathon Petroleum in Detroit’s Boynton
Rally with high-profile elected officials like Sen. Sanders and Rep. Tlaib, gaining substantial media coverage. Strategic lobby meetings with legislative
neighborhood. The
representatives like Rep. Slotkin and Sen. Peters,
company agreed to a
focusing on climate, healthcare, and citizenship
$5 million buy-out for
policies.
residents affected by its refinery’s toxic emissions. This victory
People’s Action Build Back Better Corporate Accountability Day and Climate Action Rally in Flint and Lansing, amplifying the call for climate accountability.
was spearheaded by
Climate Roundtable with White House Cabinet
Emma Lockridge, a
member Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House
retired reporter, who organized her community through
Council on Environmental Quality, and influential policy leaders and organizers. Detroit and Lansing Rallies advocating climate justice with critical members of Congress.
protests, divestment
Townhall with Rep. Tlaib and Rep. Dingell,
campaigns, and
featuring a panel in which Executive Director Ken
crucial negotiations,
Whittaker and Organizing Director Adonis Flores
compelling Marathon
were participants.
to create a buffer zone
We also launched a statewide campaign to remove
for healthier living
legislative barriers to municipal decarbonization, partnering
conditions.
with diverse organizations and academic partners. Expanding Coalition and Community Engagement In 2022, we saw remarkable growth in our coalition, particularly in Flint, with the Stop Ajax Coalition opposing the construction of an Ajax Cement plant in a predominantly Black neighborhood. We also initiated Detroit's first Youth Climate Debate involving eight high schools, fostering environmental awareness among youth.
Deep Canvass Vision and Theory of Change Since initiating the Hometown Voices Rural Campaign in 2019, Michigan United's Deep Canvass initiative has evolved, extending our reach across Michigan. Our program aims to unite a diverse, multigenerational, multiracial working-class population across political ideologies. The mission is dual-fold: to cultivate an engaged, progressive, multiracial base in Michigan and to challenge and mitigate the growing racial and political divisions threatening our democracy. Notable Events and Collaborations The Deep Canvass Electoral Town Hall with activist and actor Matthew Lillard significantly amplified our reach and engagement. Our strategies and collaborations across various campaigns, including Environmental Justice, Immigrant Rights, and Transformative Justice, have created a robust support system, utilizing deep canvassing as a vital tool for persuasion and community activation. Metrics and Impact Our approach in the Climate Justice conversations yielded a 12% shift in attitude, opinion, or intended action, and the Immigrant Rights discussions saw a 46% shift, underscoring the effectiveness of our deep canvassing techniques.
Strategic Approach and Key Achievements 2020 Presidential Election Deep Canvass: Our approach harnessed race and classconscious messaging, empathetic and nonjudgmental listening, and narrative exchange, significantly influencing voter perspectives. This program scaled up to 1.5 million calls, facilitating over 32,000 conversations, leading to a 50.6% movement rate and a 27.4% persuasion rate in voter opinions. 2021 Deep Canvass Listening Campaign: We delved into rural communities, uncovering critical issues, particularly healthcare and mental health services. This phase included 281 member-led conversations and multiple community events, sparking grassroots advocacy for significant policy changes. 2022 Climate Justice Deep Canvass: This segment of our program achieved 7,916 dials and 101 conversations, markedly shifting community perspectives on critical climate justice issues and federal legislation. 2022 Immigrant Rights Deep Canvass: Centering on the “DRIVE SAFE” bills, this campaign resulted in over 60,000 dials and 884 conversations, significantly enhancing community support and empathy for immigrant rights. 2022 Electoral Deep Canvass: Our campaign included over 210,000 dials and 3,205 door knocks, leading to a 21% phone movement rate and a 39% door movement rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of our deep canvassing in shifting voting intentions and raising awareness on critical issues.
We're working for an equitable and sustainable world that reflects OUR VALUES of economic & racial justice.
4405 Wesson Street Detroit, MI 48210 (877) 507-7774 www.miunited.org